Reviewing the Aesthetic Sense of Korean Cinema through a Western Canvass

The cinema of Korea is a fascinating medium to understand the Hermit nation’s unique culture that developed in isolation over hundreds of years. Watching Korean cinema is an excellent learning exercise to appreciate the nuances of the country’s austere culture which in my observation, feels strangely familiar to Western sensibilities but at the same time, has a mystical allure rarely seen in these parts.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Reviewing the Aesthetic Sense of Korean Cinema through a Western Canvass specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More To further illustrate my observations about the visual appeal of Korean cinema, I will review two sample movies, â€Å"Seopyonjae† and â€Å"Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring†. In doing so, I will explore a couple of themes common to both which I believe, represent the heart and soul of Korean visual aesthetics: melodrama and nostalgia. Taking the example of Seopyonjae, to say that it is a tear-jerker would be an understatement; the film literally haunts you with its melancholic appeal as it explores the lives of two singers who have been brought up in the Korean tradition of Pansori, a traditional musical art form. The film is staged in the period following World War II where a man named Dong-Ho and a woman named Song-Hwa grow up with a Pansori teacher Yu-Bong who forces them to undergo deep pain and suffering in order to learn the art in its true essence. Yu-Bong believes that a true Pansori singer must experience grief and sorrow in order to perfect their talent. Another facet of this film is about a decline of interest in traditional Korean values among people of South Korea, partially due to the brisk pace of Westernization that followed World War II. Clearly, for the latter half, the film harps back on nostalgic themes with the characters yearning to connect with their roots. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring is an allegorical tale that represents the core of Buddhist metaphysics: the values represented by the wheel of life, the cycle of life and death, the continuous slipping away of time. As the titular theme suggests, each season represents a phase in the life of a Buddhist monk – ranging between childhood, teen age, adulthood, middle years and old age. The film depicts a beautiful, sentimental journey that begins with the lead character’s playful, childish innocence (Spring) where he is castigated by his Master for tormenting a snake, a frog and a fish. In his teenage years (Summer), he gives in to lust and against his Master’s wishes, decides to abandon his monastic existence to seek real pleasures of life.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As he turns to his thirtees (Fall), he murders his wife which drives him insane with guilt so he returns to his Master who chastises him for attempting suicide. In his middle years (Winter), he takes over the monastery following his Master’s death and receives a veiled woman who hands him over a baby. Finally, in his old age (as Spring returns), the monk is guiding the directional path of a fresh apprentice, thus, symbolizing the cycle of life. Clearly, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring conveys the two discussed themes of Korean cinema: melodrama and nostalgia. Along with Seopyonjae, it is somewhat subtle in its depiction of tragic circumstances, but tries to be somewhat fatalistic in its conclusion; as if everything is pre-destined and human beings have no control over their lives. Members of Western audience have a hard time trying to figure out how anyone could give up on their lives so easily, without putting so much of a struggle. The Korean movies make no attempt to depict the outer struggles: the real struggles lie inward. This essay on Reviewing the Aesthetic Sense of Korean Cinema through a Western Canvass was written and submitted by user Frances V. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on Clinical Psychology

Clinical Psychology The word psychology can translate to mean â€Å"the science of the soul.† Since Aristotle, psychology has become both a science and a profession. As a profession, it is the application of understanding people and their behavior to help solve human problems (Careers, 1993). A psychologist usually concentrates on one specialty that is of particular interest. There are many different fields of psychology to study. Clinical psychologists work with people with emotional and mental problems (Career Discovery, 1997). A clinical psychologist basically prevents, evaluates, and treats mental and emotional disorders in individuals. â€Å"Disorders range from minor problems of adjustment and normal psychological distress related to biological growth, to more severe conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, and those requiring patient institutionalization† (Specialty, 1995). People who want to work in this field must be emotionally stable and personable. â€Å"Patience, compass ion, sensitivity, and leadership skills are especially important in a clinical setting† (Specialty, 1995). Responsibilities include determining the nature, cause, and possible effects of individual conflicts and distress, whether they are personal, social, or work related (Specialty, 1995). While judging disorders, clinical psychologists interview patients and observe their behavior in individual situations (Meggyes, 1998). Patient’s medical and social case histories are reviewed and then sometimess of topics studied include the cau... Free Essays on Clinical Psychology Free Essays on Clinical Psychology Clinical Psychology The word psychology can translate to mean â€Å"the science of the soul.† Since Aristotle, psychology has become both a science and a profession. As a profession, it is the application of understanding people and their behavior to help solve human problems (Careers, 1993). A psychologist usually concentrates on one specialty that is of particular interest. There are many different fields of psychology to study. Clinical psychologists work with people with emotional and mental problems (Career Discovery, 1997). A clinical psychologist basically prevents, evaluates, and treats mental and emotional disorders in individuals. â€Å"Disorders range from minor problems of adjustment and normal psychological distress related to biological growth, to more severe conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, and those requiring patient institutionalization† (Specialty, 1995). People who want to work in this field must be emotionally stable and personable. â₠¬Å"Patience, compassion, sensitivity, and leadership skills are especially important in a clinical setting† (Specialty, 1995). Responsibilities include determining the nature, cause, and possible effects of individual conflicts and distress, whether they are personal, social, or work related (Specialty, 1995). While judging disorders, clinical psychologists interview patients and observe their behavior in individual situations (Meggyes, 1998). Patient’s medical and social case histories are reviewed and then sometimess of topics studied include the cause... Free Essays on Clinical Psychology Clinical Psychology The word psychology can translate to mean â€Å"the science of the soul.† Since Aristotle, psychology has become both a science and a profession. As a profession, it is the application of understanding people and their behavior to help solve human problems (Careers, 1993). A psychologist usually concentrates on one specialty that is of particular interest. There are many different fields of psychology to study. Clinical psychologists work with people with emotional and mental problems (Career Discovery, 1997). A clinical psychologist basically prevents, evaluates, and treats mental and emotional disorders in individuals. â€Å"Disorders range from minor problems of adjustment and normal psychological distress related to biological growth, to more severe conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, and those requiring patient institutionalization† (Specialty, 1995). People who want to work in this field must be emotionally stable and personable. â€Å"Patience, compass ion, sensitivity, and leadership skills are especially important in a clinical setting† (Specialty, 1995). Responsibilities include determining the nature, cause, and possible effects of individual conflicts and distress, whether they are personal, social, or work related (Specialty, 1995). While judging disorders, clinical psychologists interview patients and observe their behavior in individual situations (Meggyes, 1998). Patient’s medical and social case histories are reviewed and then sometimess of topics studied include the cau...

Workplace Diversity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Workplace Diversity - Essay Example Therefore, it has developed a need to ensure that individuals understand and accept each other since it is diversity, which has been determined as a necessary factor for the success of a business (Cox, 1991). Thus, diversity in the workplace is essential for the creation of working relationships that are not only productive but also mirror the changing aspect of business where it is the need to develop an understanding of the needs and references of clients. Religious diversity does not often lead to discrimination at the work place (Tanenbaum, 2011). Most of the organizations looks into expertise that will enable the organization to earn profits. However, there are some instances where religious diversity is used as a tool of discrimination. A significant problem in most workplaces in the world is that they often employ those individuals who are from the same religious background, for example, if a Christian owns a business, people from this religion will be given preference over others. Therefore, this should not be the case because, despite the differences in religion, it should be recognized that people are still human beings who can interact with one another to ensure that the business achieves its goals (Harvey 2012, p.51). Moreover, because of religious diversity in the workplace, there is an increase in the possibility that an organization will be able to provide services for individuals across diverse religious background becaus e the organization will have a better understanding of how to handle these individuals.

The Management of Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

The Management of Change - Essay Example Change management is an approach which provides a way to transform the organization from present state to desired future state. It is one of the most significant aspects of management which can be regarded as an attempt to ensure that organizations react to the environmental factors in which it operates. Organization change can be implemented in various techniques, such as by altering the mission, strategy, operation, technology, and attitude or behaviour of personnel associated with an organization. It has often been argued that change occurs in an organization due to several forces such as nature of the workforce, economic conditions, competition, social trends, and world politics among others which either relates to the internal or external business environment. Change management is a concept which assists an organization to respond faster to the customer demands. The concept of change management can also be regarded as a theory which tends to motivate the employees of organizatio n to accept the change and execute the organisational process in an effective and efficient manner. Therefore, it can be observed that organisational change management should begin with a systematic diagnosis of the present situation in order to determine both the need for change and the capability of change (Smith & Graetz, 2011). General Motor Company General Motors was established by William â€Å"Billy† Durant in the year 1908. In the year 1920s, with a substantial rise in the demand for automobile General Motors was positioned as a leader of global automobile industry. The company added various brands in its product line such as Chevrolet, Vauxhall, and Opel which in turn helped it to diversify its business all around the world. Chronologically, General Motors built a strong existence in emerging markets, especially in China and Brazil and accomplished its transformation into a solitary global economy. In the modern days, the company continued to grow with electric vehicle technology developing a series of hydrogen motorized fuel-cell notion and demonstration vehicles (General Motors Company, 2012). Nissan Motor Company The Nissan Motor Company was established in Yokohama City in the year 1933 by Yoshisuka Aikawa. Presently, Nissan maintains its prime objective to optimize product development and deliver extremely innova tive technology to its worldwide customers. It is due to this reason that currently Nissan is recognized for its creation of innovative vehicles and service programs all over the world. The company produces multiple ranges of product brands such as Infiniti G, Infiniti G Coupe, Infiniti M and Infiniti EX among others. The products of the company are praised by customers all over the world with its high reliability in terms of quality and price which depicts that the company has been able to attain high level of satisfaction and brand loyalty in its current performances (Nissan Motor Company, 2012). Reasons for Change General Motor Company The General Motor had to

Use an example of your choice to discuss how corporate restructuring Essay

Use an example of your choice to discuss how corporate restructuring transformed market, productive and financial performance - Essay Example At such a point, the effectiveness of a company’s old structure (original structure) has reduced to an extent of not being able to cater for the output and the larger interests (which includes the future interests) of the company. Corporate restructuring is where a company restructures or changes one or several of its aspects. It has been defined as changes in ownership, changes in assets or even alliances in a bid to improve and increase the shareholders wealth, meet consumer demands among others (Aden, 2014). The restructuring may be in form of divisions and departments combinations, production focus laying back, asset restructuring, employee scale back among others (Arocena, Blasquez and Grifell, 2011). This work shall analyse on how corporate restructuring transformed the market, the productive and the financial performance of a named company. The named company (case study) shall be Caterpillar, a public limited company which survived a harsh economic climate, thanks to corporate restructuring. In the first part of the work, the company shall be introduced and its main competitors analysed. The market it operates on currently and on which it operated on in the early 80’s shall also be discussed. Thereafter, there shall be a discussion on how Caterpillar embraced and applied corporate restructuring and analysis on how successful this was. The main aims of restructuring include creating a decentralised approach, increasing the level of responsiveness and expanding the customer focus for matured markets. There are many businesses that have adopted corporate restructuring in order to maximize their profits and their chances of survival. Caterpillar, a public limited company is one such company that has a successful experience with the adoption of corporate restructuring (Vartan, 1987). It specialises in three operational segments which are power systems, construction

Social Worker Within The Welsh Context

Social Worker Within The Welsh Context Social work is a profession established to promote and secure the wellbeing of families, children, adults and the surrounding communities. Social work in Wales is regulated under the guidance and legislation of the Care council for Wales. This guidance is governed by a code of practice which all Social workers are to adhere too. Anyone choosing to use the title social worker is required to be registered with the care council for Wales, or any other council for other countries within the UK. The Care council for Wales states that the purpose of the code is to set out the conduct that is expected of social care workers and to inform service users and the public about the standards of conduct they can expect. (WAG, 2012:5) These guidelines allow all social workers to have a clear understanding of their role and what is expected of them. The aim of this assignment is to discuss the role and task of the Social worker, effectively showing an understanding of ethical issues, and anti-oppres sive practice within Welsh context. The role of the Social worker is often formed by the needs of the individual service user or family. Social workers play a leading role in providing safety and protection to adults and children. However the role will at times have to be adapted in order to fully meet the individual service users needs. Some roles carried out by the Social worker could possibly include being a counsellor, advocate, caseworker, manager of care, a person of social control and being able to work effectively as part of a mulit-disciplinary team. Each of these roles will require a number of different skills, Such as being an effective communicator, having the ability to recognise and regard diversity, and make effective risk assessments. The social worker needs to be able to respect the service user irrespective of their reasons for necessitating a social worker. Parallel with these the Social worker will need to have values and admiration for ethnicity, gender, class, culture, religion, age, sexuality or ability. In doing all of these social workers have a number of Acts and Laws in which they must obey, such as All Wales Framework for the Assessment of Children in need etc. . The Laws are regulations which enable the social worker to carry out their role and tasks in a positive way allowing for empowerment, change, and anti-oppressive practice and to tackle matters of oppression. The policies and legislation provide mandate for practice. Alongside the role of the social worker is the task of the social worker. The role of the social worker may require a wide variety, in terms of the range of tasks needing to be carried out. Some of these tasks could include supporting the parents/s to develop and enhance parenting skills, supporting the service user to become financially dependent- in order for them to reduce the possible risks of falling into poverty, and encouraging and supporting the service user back to work and employment. This is just to name a few of many tasks carried out w ithin the role of a social worker. Social workers are to practice anti-oppressive practice whilst working with service users, this is intended to enable them to resolve any problems and overcome barriers being faced by the service user. Dominelli. (2002) states that Anti-oppressive practice seeks to eliminate oppression within professional practice as well as contribute to its eradication within the broader society (:83) Dominelli (2002) then goes on to suggest that being clear about their principles, value base and ethical orientation will help individual practitioners in the decision-making process where and how they will direct their work (:84) In keeping with clear principles and ethical issues and taking into account the code of ethics as set by BASW which states that, (2012) Respect for human dignity, and for individual and cultural diversity Value for every human being, their beliefs, goals, preferences and needs. One of the principles that is important in respecting a service users needs and rights is that so cial workers within Wales implement the use of the Welsh Language Act 1993 this is one example of where laws between England and Wales are noticeably different in social work. In coinciding with this Act, the Welsh Language is proposed to have equal status. Whilst differentiating ethical issues, it became apparent that a service user has a right to decide what language their social worker uses, therefore, as stated by Davies (1994) Principles for anti-oppressive practice in Wales: 1. A service user has the right to choose which language to use with a worker; 2. Language is more than a means of communication: it is an essential part of a persons identity; 3. People are able to express themselves more effectively and comfortably in their language of choice; 4. Good practice means offering users real language choice; 5. A comprehensive and quality service in Wales means a bilingual service. (:60) Refusing this service can be recognised as a way of oppressing an individual. This assignment has discussed and researched some of the areas of social work, such as the role and task of the social worker. It became apparent that the role of the social worker and the area in which they practice will provide the outline of the tasks they will be required to carry out. There is a great importance of values, and the need to adhere the policies and regulations is clearly paramount in all areas and practice of social work. The assignment has then gone on to identify the difference in regulations and policies within Wales and England, and the importance of anti-oppressive practice, Likewise recognising the rights of the service user, and the need to respect these rights. Finally the assignment went onto show an understanding of the need to be aware of ethical practice.

Infidelity Essay -- Social Issues, Cheating, Mistress

Passionate instincts can overtake us, guilty feelings will wash over us, and paranoia will take control of us. Our body and mind propel us on a lustful, exciting, frightening bender as we take that one risk that could destroy everything. Since the beginning of man, humans have caved in to our polygamous nature through the act of infidelity, and men and woman have cheated on each other throughout history (Zur 2). However, different time periods and cultures have contrasting perceptions on adultery often depending on gender. Presently, when a socialite cheats on her partner, the news barely mentions the affair or focuses on her family life; in contrast, if an athlete partakes in extramarital activities with a mistress, the media will print it as the front page story. Yet, a person should learn life has not always been that way; as empires rise and fall, wars erupt, and civilizations die, society has changed their perceptions of social and cultural norms. A good way to see how cultu re changes over time is to read works from different eras since playwrights garner inspiration from their society and how people lived the bygone times. In ancient Greece, Medea, the sorceress, seeks revenge on her lover, Jason, who betrayed her when he married the princess of Corinth, Glauce; however, all the characters, excluding the chorus and Medea, behave nonchalantly about his infidelity because of their culture (Galens and Spampinato 180-181). Throughout his masterpiece, Medea, Euripides accurately depicts the ancient civilization's contrasting attitudes towards men's and women's adultery that differs from the present position of Western society. With their sexual endeavors, many Greek spouses destroyed the foundation of their marriages; y... ...ed the princess of Corinth; however, the characters, excluding the chorus, behave nonchalantly about his infidelity because they have been numbed by adultery in their culture. If Jason cheated on Medea in modern Manhattan with one of the richest socialites, modern society would respond very differently. Society would repeatedly chastise Jason much like they did with Tiger Woods and John Edwards, and Jason's heroic status would quickly diminish. Candidly, men and woman partaking in extramarital sexual rendezvous have never been a generational issues; the only change is the civilization’s view on adultery. Infidelity will constantly occur as humans pretend our species are supposed to be monogamous (Zur 2). We will have to fight our own natural instincts that attempt to take us on a shameful, exciting, frighting ride that could exterminate everything we own and love.